Anna City Manager resigns

On Dec. 9, Anna City Manager Philip Sanders surprised many citizens by calling a Saturday meeting. There, Sanders made the announcement that he was resigning as city manager.

“I would like to announce my resignation as the City Manager for Anna, effective December 11,” Sanders said.

“I have enjoyed my time working with the city,” he said. “However, it’s time to move on and move my career in a different direction. Thanks to the city council members and dedicated employees that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

Sanders said he will always be a part of Anna.

“No matter where I end up, Anna will always be in my heart,” Sanders said.

The city council nominated Anna Planning Director Maurice Schwanke as interim city manager, and the motion passed unanimously. The council also voted for Sanders to be able to receive a severance package. Now, the city of Anna will hire a firm that specializes in locating city managers. Once the firm finds qualified candidates, the firm will present them to the council. Then, the council will vote on them.

Sanders was the city manager for a decade and will be missed by city council members. “I want to thank Mr. Sanders for his contributions and service to the City of Anna,” Anna Mayor Nate Pike said. “He has guided Anna through a period of remarkable growth, and I feel the city is in a great position to face the opportunities that are in front of us. I wish him the best of luck and success in his future endeavors.”

“He was a friend and did a good job with a growing city,” councilman Nathan Bryan said. “I hope he and his family are well, and I wish him all the best moving forward.”

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